And 24 hours before Hurricane Sandy is expected to arrive in the Southern Tier, they're slim pickings.

"It's crazy," said Salena Bailey, picking up a jug of water at the Endwell Weis on Hooper Road. "Just a lot of vehicles in and out of the parking lots, empty shelves, very little water, there's no water at Wegmans."

Thousands of people crammed stores looking for everything they need just in case, including Lois Anne Arbach from Endicott.

"Stocking up for the storm," said Arbach, "You know, I don't always believe the weather reports but it sounds like it's be a be a really, well, always be prepared, that's what I always say."

The Endwell Weis could barely keep up. For bread and water, they said they've gone through a five day supply in just the weekend.

"We are actually not trying to be fancy about it," said store manager Reggie McCleese, "We're just dropping the [water] pallets down, and within an hour or two, we're having to replace the pallets again."

From water into wine?

Some also flooded the neighboring Park Manor Wine and Spirits.

"You'd think they'd be at the grocery store stocking up on water, food the essentials," said Park Manor employee Loren Piechnik, "But I guess a good time has always got to be factored in there."

Endwell shopper Susan Grahame said she's hoping for the best, and preparing for the worst.

"I have a positive outlook. I don't think we're going to get hit as hard as they say," said Grahame, "But just in case, I got extra water."

FEMA recommends having plenty of water, non-perishable food, and extra batteries for flashlights during any natural disaster.